Cincinnati Bengals 2008 NFL Draft Needs
June 8, 2008
Marvin Lewis hinted at a big offseason of change for his team after the Benals’ final game of the season last year. The Bengals have missed the playoffs for the fourth time in four seasons. A big makeover has to be in store with the attitude of certain players or this team will be unsuccessful again in 2008. Early in January, Lewis fired defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan. There is no doubt he is under tremendous pressure to fix things in Cincinnati or Lewis may be without a job next season.
2008 Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Offensive Tackle
ORT Willie Anderson is in the last year’s of his career and knee problems limited OLT Levi Jones’ playing time last season. OT-OG Stacy Andrews filled in last year in Jones’ place, but he is an unrestricted free agent. This used to be a position of strength for the Bengals, but now it’s one of serious concern with QB Carson Palmers’ immobility in the pocket.
2.) Defensive Tackle
The Bengals run defense has been putrid for years now and it’s not going to change unless Cincinnati picks up some key run stoppers through the 2008 NFL Draft or through free-agency. Domata Peko has developed nicely since being drafted in 2006, but the talent and depth at defensive tackle must improve. The Bengals are rumored to be moving to the 3-4 scheme this season, which makes nose tackle a primary need.
3.) Defensive End
Justin Smith is now a 49er and the Bengals will miss this playmaker desperately on the defensive side of the ball. Their other starting end from last season in Robert Geathers has talent, but he’s nothing compared to the other pass-rushers in the AFC. Lewis does not like to blitz, putting a ton of heat on his front four to create a pass rush that can help out the secondary this season. With Smith now gone, don’t be surprised if the Bengals look for a defensive End even earlier than expected.
4.) Center
Eric Gihiaciuc is on the small side for the center position. He also struggled to stay healthy. Cincinnati has struggled to run the ball up the middle the last two season, even with several RB options. The changes could come along the offensive line instead of the backfield because of it, starting with the center position.
5.) Wide Receiver
Stud WR Chad Johnson appears in the path of a hold-out and No. 3 WR Chris Henry had another offseason incident and will serve another suspension, likely ending his career as an NFL player. Johnson and the Bengals have been able to work their problems out in the past, but will Chad push Bengals management over the edge this season? These questions need to be answered and it has to come in a hurry. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is a very productive red-zone pass-catcher and a viable tall target over the middle. Even if Johnson returns with Cincinnati, the Bengals still have to find a No. 3 receiving option for one of the best passers in the business. Throughout Lewis’ tenure, the Bengals have neglected to address the WR and TE positions courtesy of the NFL Draft. It would not be wise to make this same mistake again.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
The Bengals may feature one of the most explosive offenses in the leauge, but this unit is relatively conservative in design. The Bengals will stick with the run even if it’s not working. This can sometimes take away from their dangerous passing attack. The Bengals have been most effective when they use three-WR sets and operate with the no-huddle. The just can’t seem to get the blocking to pull off this style of offense consistently. OLT Ryan Clady of Boise State would help sure up their offensive line. WR Mario Manningham of Michigan could be that No. 3 wideout they are looking for. OLT Carl Nicks of Nebraska, C Mike Pollak of Arizona State, WR Donnie Avery of Houston and ORT-ORG Brandon Keith of Northern Iowa are a few other names that may be called on Draft Day for the Bengals this season.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Bengals have to decide whether they will continue the 4-3 scheme that hasn’t worked well over the last few seasons, or if they want to install the 3-4 scheme rumored in the offseason. The Bengals secondary plays predominately zone coverages but is very vulnerable to the big play. Either way the defensive line has to be able to get pressure on the quarterback and stop the run, so this will be the Bengals primary focus on the defensive side of the ball on Draft Day. NT Sedrick Ellis of USC could be their first selection if they pass up on an OT. DT-DLE Phillip Merling of Clemson is a sleeper in this draft and should be available in the second round. DLE Lawrence Jackson of USC, DT Marcus Harrison of Arkansas, NT Ahtyba Rubin of Iowa State and DLE Wallace Gilberry of Alabama are just a few names the Cincinnati Bengals may be calling as their 2008 NFL Draft picks.